Patent application title: ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR VALUATION AND AN ELECTRONIC PROCESS FOR SAME

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Abstract:

A computerized system and process, comprising storing characteristics of
possible products in an electronic database, accepting user input related
to a product's characteristics, matching the accepted user input related
to the product's characteristics to the electronic database of
characteristics of possible products to find a matched product, and
determining, using the retail pricing calculation engine, a valuation for
the a matched product.

Claims:

1. A computerized process, comprising: performing processing associated
with storing characteristics of possible products in an electronic
database in communication with a processor; performing processing
associated with accepting user input related to a product's
characteristics; performing processing associated with matching,
utilizing a retail pricing calculation engine, the accepted user input
related to the product's characteristics to the electronic database of
characteristics of possible products to find a matched product; and
performing processing associated with determining, using the retail
pricing calculation engine, a valuation for the a matched product.

2. The process of claim 1, wherein the valuation accounts for the
suggested retail replacement cost value based on geographic location.

5. The process of claim 1, further comprising: performing processing
associated with accepting user input identifying an owner of the product
and/or an entity that will pay the replacement cost.

6. The process of claim 5, wherein the entity that will pay the
replacement cost comprises a property insurance carrier and/or a
restoration specialist.

7. The process of claim 1, wherein the user input related to a product's
characteristics comprises input based on visual, tactile, measured, or
web-based information, or any combination thereof.

8. The process of claim 1, further comprising: performing processing
associated with displaying advertising related to the product.

9. The process of claim 1, wherein the product is a soft surface product.

10. An electronic system, comprising: a processor configured for:
performing processing associated with storing characteristics of possible
products in an electronic database in communication with the processor;
performing processing associated with accepting user input related to a
product's characteristics; performing processing associated with
matching, utilizing a retail pricing calculation engine, the accepted
user input related to the product's characteristics to the electronic
database of characteristics of possible products to find a matched
product; and performing processing associated with determining, using the
retail pricing calculation engine, a valuation for the a matched product.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the valuation accounts for the
suggested retail replacement cost value based on geographic location.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the suggested retail replacement cost
contains retail pricing data derived from actual market information and
relating relationally to the products in the electronic database.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured
for: performing processing associated with accepting user input
identifying an owner of the product and/or an entity that will pay the
replacement cost.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the entity that will pay the
replacement cost comprises a property insurance carrier and/or a
restoration specialist.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein the user input related to a product's
characteristics comprises input based on visual, tactile, measured, or
web-based information, or any combination thereof.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured
for: performing processing associated with displaying advertising related
to the product.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein the product is a soft surface
product.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 61/623,438, filed Apr. 12, 2012, which is incorporated by referenced
in its entirety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002]FIG. 1 illustrates a system for valuating a floor covering,
according to an embodiment.

[0003] FIG. 2 illustrates a view of a custom gauge that may be used to
measure stitch rates and pile heights in various queries, according to an
embodiment.

[0004] FIG. 3 illustrates a view of the reference folders 55 which may
contain samples of the texture types and backings that may be referenced
in the query process, according to an embodiment.

[0005] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate an example of the contents of the master
query product database, according to an embodiment.

[0006] FIGS. 5-15 are method flowcharts illustrating numerous logic
elements that may be encountered within system, according to an
embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a master query match database,
according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008]FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for valuating a floor covering,
according to an embodiment. Note that, while the example carpet is used
throughout this application, that any type of surface may be valuated.
System 100 may help determine a Like Kind Quality (LKQ) to identify or
describe a product that is similar in appearance, quality and value to a
product being replaced after suffering damage, loss, or decay. (1 he
acronym "LKQ" may be used to describe a product or material that is
similar in appearance, quality and value to that which is being replaced
after suffering damage or total loss. LKQ may be a determinant of value
to help ensure the policyholder will receive appropriate indemnity for
that which they lost.) LKQ may help an insurance policyholder, claimant,
or other entity receive appropriate compensation. In one embodiment,
through visual, tactile, and measurement selections, and use of the
various physical samples as a reference guide, the user is navigated
through questions that help determine the LKQ. In some embodiments, once
the product is adequately identified for LKQ, a replacement material
price (e.g., reflective of the policyholder's local market) may be
calculated.

[0009] System 100 may comprise: an identification (ID) and valuation
server 10, an Internet domain 40, a report recipient 60, a client
computer 5 (e.g. handheld personal digital assistant (PDA) 45, laptop 50,
other computer device), or reference folders 55, or any combination
thereof. The ID and valuation server 10 may calculate valuations for
floor coverings using a network operating system. The ID and valuation
server 10 may comprise: Internet communications 15, a network operating
system 20, and ID and valuation system logic engine 25, a face weight
and/or retail pricing calculation engine 30, a master query product
database 35, or a retail referral database 37, or any combination
thereof. The network operating system 20 may control the various
interactions of the automated environment 100, comprising: screen
displays, data exchanges, task management, Internet connectivity
management, or general control of the applications present in system 100,
or any combination thereof. The ID and valuation system logic engine 25
may: provide the screen interface to the user, perform the various
computations programmed in system 100, control the defined logic query
steps (e.g., determine what to ask the user in queries #1-#11 set forth
below), interface the appropriate face weight calculation, or interface
with the retail pricing calculation database, or any combination thereof.
The face weight and retail pricing calculation engine 30 may house the
static data elements associated with the automated process of calculating
the face weight of the products itemized in the master query product
database 35, and/or the data elements associated with the automated
process of matching the appropriate unit retail pricing with the result
of the query process involving the master query product database (e.g.,
determine what happens logically once the user enters answers in the
queries #1-#11 set forth below). The master query product database 35 may
contain an array of data elements 16. The database may comprise more than
41,000 unique flooring types comprising known possible construction
characteristic variations. The retail referral database 37 may comprise
information (e.g., names, locations, contact information, or marketing
image, or any combination thereof) of retailers who have agreed to
participate as possible suppliers as may be needed by the e owner of the
damaged products being evaluated. The client computer 5 may be capable of
Internet-based functionality to present the queries, capture the
responses and interact with the ID and Valuation server 10. The result of
the process may he sent as an electronic file to a chosen recipient 60
via an Internet-based computer. The reference folders 55 may house
samples of actual carpet swatches representing many different types of
manufacturing families (e.g., floor covering samples, carpet backings).

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a view of a custom gauge that may be used to
measure stitch rates and pile heights in various queries. The gauge may
be marked in nine one-inch sections with markers indicating from four to
12 tufts per one inch section. The user may be trained to use the gauge
by placing the gauge along a row of tufts of the damaged carpet and
moving the gauge horizontally until the tufts of the carpet align with
the appropriate spaces between the markers. The gauge may also be marked
with a vertical series of labels exactly 1/10 of an inch apart from 0.1
inch to 3.0 inches. This ruler of the gauge may be used to measure the
short and long pile heights of the damaged carpet by placing the gauge at
the backing of the carpet and visually assessing the height of the fiber
against the ruler.

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a view of the reference folders 55 which may
contain samples of the texture types and backings that may be referenced
in the query process.

[0012] FIGS. 5-15 are method flowcharts illustrating numerous logic
elements that may be encountered within system 100. To start using system
100, the user may log onto a secured web site with a password and then
may key basic information about a policy holder, insurance company, claim
number, location, etc. This may be done at the loss site or the user may
cut a piece of the damaged carpet and perform the evaluation in another
place (e.g., back at his office, in his car with a mobile Internet device
(e.g., WIFI laptop, PDA). The user may perform a visual inspection of the
damaged floor covering and proceed to answer a series of questions about
the damaged product for identification purposes. As illustrated in FIGS.
5-15, in one example, the following manufacturing characteristic options
may be chosen to determine the replacement floor covering option or
options: carpet; broadloom, tufted, synthetic back, cut, Saxony, S/InW=7,
S/InL=8, PHS=0.4; PHL=0.4; TB=base. The questions which lead to the
chosen manufacturing characteristic options may refer to the following
manufacturing characteristics:

[0014] The user may select the product family that is to undergo the
evaluation. FIG. 5 illustrates an example where the user is instructed to
choose the type of floor covering. In this example, two choices are
given: carpet or hard surface. At this point the user may select carpet.
The query results may return all carpet options. In other embodiments,
other choices may be provided.

[0015] #2: Form. (E.g., Broadloom, Modular). The user may select the form
that is to undergo the evaluation based on a visual inspection of the
flooring material in question. FIG. 6 illustrates an example where the
user is instructed to choose the form. In this example, two choices are
given: broadloom or modular. Broadloom may refer to a "wall to wall"
covering; modular may refer to a covering provided in units (e.g.,
tiles). The user then may select broadloom. The query results may return
all broadloom options. In other embodiment, other choices may be
provided.

[0016] #3: Construction Type. (E.g., Tufted, Woven) Carpets may be
manufactured through one of these two processes. The user may visually
identify the difference in construction type. System 100 may display
choices from which the user may select the appropriate selection. FIG. 7
illustrates an example where the user is instructed to choose the
construction type (e.g., visual). In this example two choices are given:
tufted or woven. The user then may select tufted. The query may return
all tufted options. A certain percentage (e.g., 10% of the database may
be excluded because they are woven). In other embodiments, other choices
may be provided. Tufting may refer to a carpet manufacturing process
whereby the carpet backing is run through a series of needles (e.g., as
many as 12 per inch) which thrust fiber through the backing, thus
creating a tuft of fiber in pre-defined rows and patterns. The fiber may
be left in place and reinserted creating an appearance of a loop, or the
fiber may be cut at the surface of the product. A woven carpet, sometimes
made of wool or olefin, may refer to a carpet manufactured using a
weaving process of continuous fiber. The result may be a carpet which may
be constructed on a loom by interlacing the carpet warp and filling
threads.

[0017] #4 Backing. (E.g., may be matched and selected from the reference
folders 55). The reference folders 55 may contain photographic (e.g.,
visual) samples of the most common types of carpet backing materials used
in the manufacture of residential and commercial carpeting. By sight and
touch, the user may match the backing and select the ID number displayed.
In some embodiments, the system logic n ay not let the user make invalid
choices. For example, woven products are only manufactured on specific
backings. Therefore, if woven is chosen in #3, only those backings that
are specific to woven products may be displayed as possible selections.
FIG. 8 illustrates an example where the user is instructed to choose the
backing type. In this example, five backing choices are given for
broadloom, tufted carpet: synthetic, covered synthetic, high-end
synthetic, covered high-end synthetic, or jute. The user then may select
synthetic. The query results may return all synthetic options. In other
embodiments, other choices may be provided. Synthetic may indicate a
backing that is made of laced LATEX® and may be designed to accept
tufts of synthetic fiber in a tufting process. Covered Synthetic may
indicate a synthetic backing that is covered with a thin layer of cotton
fiber used to protect walls during the installation process. High-end
Synthetic may describe a backing that is made of laced LATEX® and has
a tighter weave of material to support greater fiber face weights.
Covered High-End Synthetic may be a high-end synthetic back with a cotton
covering.

[0018] #5 Pile Configuration. (E.g., Cut, Loop, Cut&Loop) The user may be
visually inspect the product and Identify (e.g., visually) the pile
configuration. System 100 may display choices from which the user may
select the appropriate selection after making a visual inspection. FIG. 9
illustrates an example where the user is instructed to choose the pile
configuration. In this example, three choices are given: cut, loop, or
cut and loop. The user then may select cut. The query results are further
narrowed to carpet options having a cut pile configuration. In other
embodiments, other choices may be provided. Cut pile may indicate that
the yarn is cut at the top of the pile during the manufacturing process
resulting in a flat appearance. Loop pile may indicate that the yarn is
looped through the backing. Cut & Loop pile may be a manufacturing
process that cuts some of the yarn while leaving others looped. This may
result in a patterned appearance.

[0019] #6 Texture. (E.g., may be matched and selected from the reference
folders 55). The user may identify (e.g., visually) the texture of the
product. System 100 may display choices from which the user may select
the appropriate selection after making a visual inspection (e.g., by
matching their flooring to samples or otherwise using samples). FIG. 10
illustrates an example where the user is instructed to choose the
texture. In this example, 10 choices are given because only 10 choices
are possible matches for broadloom, tufted, synthetic, cut carpet:
Saxony, Saxony plush, shag, pile graphic, textured Saxony, twist-frieze
cable, cut pile-twist, commercial Saxony, or twist frieze. The user then
may select saxony. The query results are further narrowed to options
having a Saxony texture. In other embodiments, other choices may be
provided. Saxony may refer to a cut pile product of average stitch rate
density and pile height. Saxony Plush may refer to a cut pile product
with a dense stitch rate and tall pile height. Shag may refer to a cut
pile product with long fiber tufts (e.g., up to 3 inches) sometimes not
dense or vertical in appearance. Pile graphic may refer to a cut pile
product of average to low pile height and high stitch density, and may
include a dyed pattern of tufts in a graphical design. Textured Saxony
may refer to a cut pile Saxony product with slight variations in the ends
of the vertical tufts creating a textured appearance. Twist-frieze cable
may refer to a cut pile product with tufts of average to longer length
and equal girth interlaced with a random sequence of much heavier girth
tufts. The tufts in this category may be highly twisted and provide a
"wormy" appearance. Cut pile twist may be similar to twist frieze cable,
but this cut pile product may have equal length tufts (e.g., average to
short) and possess a twisted appearance. Commercial Saxony may he similar
to the Saxony, but may possess a more dense stitch rate and lower pile
height. This product may be usually manufactured with a higher grade
backing. Twist frieze may refer to a cut pile product with tufts of
average to longer length and equal girth. The tufts in this category may
be highly twisted and provide a "wormy" appearance. As may be done with
any query, the system logic may only display those choices that are
sensible (e.g., only those textures that are specific to the chosen pile
configuration). For example, if the user chooses a cut pile
configuration, system 100 may only display the following textures as a
possible selection:

[0020] Cut Saxony

[0021] Cut Saxony Plush

[0022] Cut Shag

[0023] Cut Graphic

[0024] Cut Twist Frieze

[0025] Cut Twist Frieze Cable

[0026] #7 Stitches Per inch (S/InW)--Width. (E.g., Measurement) The system
logic may require a number of pile measurements in order to match the
damaged flooring to the database used in as a basis of valuation. The
user may be instructed to count the number of stitches in one inch across
the width of the carpet. A ruler (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2) may be
supplied to help the user identify the stitch count. FIG. 11 illustrates
an example where the user is instructed to choose the stitches per inch
for the width. In this example, three choices are given: seven, eight or
nine. The user may be instructed to measure the stitches in one linear
inch of the product being evaluated. This may be determined by inserting
the ruled gauge to the base of the pile and aligning the tufts with the
appropriate marks on the gauge. The user then may select 7 after making
this measurement. The query results may then be further narrowed to
broadloom, tufted, synthetic back, cut, Saxony carpet options (e.g.,
three in this example) having 7 stitches per inch for the width. In other
embodiments, other choices may be provided. System 100 may only display
the possible stitch counts that are consistent with the manufacturing
process associated with the chosen pile configuration and texture.

[0027] #8 Stitches Per inch (S/InL)--Length. (E.g., Measurement) Similar
to the previous step, the user may he instructed to count the number of
stitches in one inch perpendicular to the count taken in #7. The system
logic may require a number of pile measurements in order to match the
damaged flooring to the database used as a basis of valuation. The user
may be instructed to count or measure the number of stitches in one inch
across the width of the carpet. A ruler (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2) may be
supplied to help the user identify the stitch count. FIG. 12 illustrates
an example where the user is instructed to choose the stitches per inch
for the length. In this example, three choices are given: seven, eight or
nine. The user may measure the stitches in one linear inch perpendicular
to the S/InW by inserting the ruled gauge to the base of the pile and
aligning the tufts with the appropriate marks on the gauge. In this
example, after measuring, the user may select 8. The query results may
then be narrowed to broadloom, tufted, synthetic back, cut, Saxony,
S/InW=7 carpet options (e.g., In this example, just three options) having
8 stitches per inch for the length. In other embodiments, other choices
may be provided. System 100 may only display the possible stitch counts
that are consistent with the manufacturing process associated with the
chosen pile configuration and texture.

[0028] #9 Pile Height--Short (PHS). (E.g., Measurement) The user may be
instructed to measure the short pile height (e.g., the shortest height of
the pile) of the subject carpet in tenths of an inch. The user may be
instructed to use a ruled gauge (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2) to measure the
short pile height and select the matching entry. FIG. 13 illustrates an
example where the user is instructed to choose the shortest pile height.
In this example, three choices are given: 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5. The user may
measure the short pile height by inserting the ruled gauge to the base of
the pile and observing the result. After measuring, the user then may
select 0.4. The query results may then be further narrowed to broadloom,
tufted, synthetic back, cut, Saxony, S/InW=7, S/InL=8 carpet options
(e.g., in this example, just three options) having a short pile height of
0.4. In other embodiments, other choices may be provided. System 100 may
only display the possible pile heights that are consistent with the
manufacturing process associated with the chosen pile configuration and
texture.

[0029] #10 Pile Long. (E.g., Measurement) The user may be instructed to
measure the long pile height (e.g., longest height of the pile) of the
subject carpet in tenths of an inch. The user may be instructed to use a
ruled gauge (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2) to measure the longest pile height
and select the matching entry. FIG. 14 illustrates an example where the
user is instructed to choose the longest pile height. In this example,
three choices are given: 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5. The user may measure the long
pile height by inserting the ruled gauge to the base of the pile and
observing the result. After measuring, the user then may select 0.4. The
query results are further narrowed to broadloom, tufted, synthetic back,
cut, Saxony, S/InW=7, SPH=0.4 carpet options having a longest pile height
of 0.4. In other embodiments, other choices may be provided. System 100
may only display the possible longest pile heights that are consistent
with the manufacturing process associated with the chosen pile
configuration and texture.

[0030] #11 Tuft Bulk (TB). The user may be instructed to choose the tuft
bulk. The user may examine the overall thickness of the tufts of fiber in
the product (e.g., as compared to those in the texture sample chosen in
the folder). FIG. 15 illustrates an example where the user is instructed
to choose the tuft bulk. In this example, three choices are given: thin,
base, or thick. The user may be instructed to subjectively compare the
tuft bulk of the tufts of the product being evaluated with one or more
sample(s). After comparing, the user then may select base. The query
results may be further narrowed to broadloom, tufted, synthetic back,
cut, Saxony, S/InW=7, S/InL=8, PHS=0.4, PHL=0.4 carpet options having a
base tuft bulk. In other embodiments, other choices may be provided. Thin
may be chosen if the fiber appears thinner than that in the folder. Base
may be chosen if the fiber is about the same as that in the folder. Thick
may be chosen if the fiber appears thicker than that in the folder.

[0031] Note that all of the above logic may be done in other orders. In
addition, note that the user may be trained to have the knowledge to
answer the queries and/or the user may use the reference folders 55 to
answer the queries. Also the above system will only provide possible
options at each step/query based on the previous selected options.

EXAMPLE

[0032] An example of the process set forth above is given below. The
master query product database 35 may comprise thousands of unique line
items (e.g., approximately 41,000). Each line item may be a set of data
elements that correspond to the questions asked through the system 100.
For example, in the realm of carpet manufacturing, it may be assumed that
a Saxony product may be manufactured in a variety of pile tuft densities,
pile heights and tuft weight or bulk. As such, it is feasible that an
extremely low weight/density product may match the following:

Construction=Tufted

Backing=Synthetic

Pile Configuration=Cut

Texture Type=Saxony

Stitch Rate-Width=5

Stitch Rate-Length=5

Pile Height-Short=0.3

Pile Height-Long=0.3

Tuft Bulk=Thin

[0033] In this case, the carpet may equate to the lowest pile density and
weight of any possible Tufted Saxony product. Thus, a product matching
these characteristics may be at the lowest possible retail price point.
Conversely, a Tufted Saxony product with maximum density of stitch rates,
pile heights and tuft bulk may logically be at the highest possible
retail price point. Between these two extremes there are hundreds of
possible configurations of a Saxony style product.

[0034] The master query product database 35 may comprise a series of
tables containing virtually ail possible configurations of the
characteristics. FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a master query product
database 35. In this example, the first line may describe a very sparse
(light weight) density Saxony product that is absolutely unique in the
database. In this case, the described product's FORM is "Broadloom"; the
CONSTRUCTION is "Tufted"; the BACKING is "Synthetic"; the PILE
CONFIGURATION is "Cut"; the TEXTURE is "Saxony"; the STITCH RATE WIDTH is
"7"; the STITCH RATE LENGTH is "7"; the AVERAGE PILE HEIGHT is "0.3"; and
the TUFT BULK is considered "Thin".

[0035] Based on these unique characteristics, the master query product
database 35 may also show that the needle gauge for a product would be "
5/32" inches. It may also denote that the tufts per square inch is "49".
This may be calculated by multiply the two stitch rate values. The next
column may be a calculated tufts per square yard; "63504". This may be
calculated by multiplying the Tufts/SqYd by 1296 (number of square inches
in a square yard). The next column may show the estimated face weight of
the product. In some embodiments, this calculation may be processed
offline (e.g., outside of the query system's primary automated process of
matching the 11 query answers to the master database and finding a match
to all elements) through another database with the sole purpose of
calculating an estimated face weight by multiplying the Tufts/SqYd by a
weight value equal to a single tuft of fiber unique to this carpet type.
In other embodiments, this calculation may be processed within system
100.

[0036] The weight value of the single tuft may be calculated by taking a
known carpet product and mathematically deducing the single tuft weight
by applying the following formula:

One inch Stitch Rate (Width)×One inch Stitch Rate
(Length)=Tufts/SqIn

Tufts/SqIn×1296=Tufts/SqYd

Tufts/SqYd/Known Face Weight (All fiber)×0.80=Single Tuft Weight.

[0037] The next column may denote the suggested retail value of a square
yard of the product. This may be calculated by multiplying the Tufts/SqYd
by a price value equal to a single tuft of fiber unique to this carpet
type. Combined, all 14 data elements denoted in each line may describe a
unique product in terms of Form, Construction, Backing, Pile
Configuration, Texture, Stitch Rates, Pile Height, Tuft Bulk, Needle
Gauge, Tufts/SqIn. Tufts/SwYd and resultant calculated Face Weight and
Suggested retail value per square yard. By closely examining the first
two lines (products) in the Query Match Database, one may notice a
difference in the two products due to an Average Pile Height difference
of 0.1 inch. This differentiation may have an effect on the calculated
face weight (22 oz compared to 30 oz) and the suggested retail price
($12.11 compared to $14.94) thus creating another unique product.

[0038] Through the remaining lines, one may note the variations in the
values denoted. The creation of this master query product database 35 was
done to help itemize every possible combination of the values possible.
In the case of the texture type, "Saxony", there are 405 possible
combinations of the query variables, thus creating 405 possible unique
products within the "Saxony" category. This itemization may he achieved
by applying each iteration of each characteristic variable until each
combination was captured in the database.

[0051] Within the query process relating to the measurement of the pile
heights, system 100 may calculate an "average pile height" to be matched
as one of the characteristics in the master query product database 37.
For example, if the user of the system enters "0.3" as the measurement
for the query relating to "Pile Height-Short" and enters "0.5" as the
measurement for the query relating to "Pile Height-Long", the system 100
may calculate the average pile height of the product to be "0.4".

[0052] The type of fiber the pile yarn is manufactured from may play an
important part in the overall value calculation. 95+% of all carpet is
made of either Nylon, Olefin or Polyester. Since it is virtually
impossible to identify the fiber type in the field, system 100 may use
manufacturing data to help identify the probability of the fiber type.
For example, tufted cut-Saxony carpets may be made of Nylon 87.4% of the
time--the remainder being Polyester. As such, the pricing logic may
include this fact when displaying the suggested retail price. Conversely,
wool, the most expensive fiber, may only represent 2% of all carpets
manufactured. Based on the damaged carpet construction type and backing
identified in the process, system 100 may notify the user when it
determines that the damaged carpet may be wool. In such cases, the user
may be advised to send a sample in to a qualified laboratory for a
detailed evaluation.

[0053] In addition to the above process being completed, in some
embodiments, advertising may be provided to the owner of the damaged
product related to the damaged product. The information about the
matching product found through the assessment carried out above may be
utilized in determining which advertising would be most effective.

[0054] While various embodiments have been described above, it should be
understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not
limitation. It will be apparent o persons skilled in the relevant arts
that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope. In fact, after reading the above
description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant arts how
to implement alternative embodiments. Thus, the present embodiments
should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary
embodiments. In particular, it should be noted that, for example
purposes, the above explanation has focused on the examples of a beacon
code assignment system. However, one skilled in the art will recognize
that embodiments of the invention could be other types of applications,
such as, for example, other transportation applications.

[0055] In addition, it should be understood that any figures that
highlight any functionality and/or advantages, are presented for example
purposes only. The disclosed architecture is sufficiently flexible and
configurable, such that it may be utilized in ways other than that shown.
For example, the steps listed in any flowchart may be re-ordered or only
optionally used in some embodiments.

[0056] It should be noted that the term "including" and "comprising"
should be interpreted as meaning "including, but not limited to".

[0057] In addition, it should be noted that, if not already set forth
explicitly in the application (e.g., specification, figure, claims), the
term "a" should be interpreted as "at least one" and "the", "said", etc.
should be interpreted as "the at least one", "said at least one", etc.

[0058] It is the applicant's intent that only claims that include the
express language "means for" or "step for" be interpreted under 35 U.S.C.
112, paragraph 6. Claims that do not expressly include the phrase "means
for" or "step for" are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112,
paragraph 6.